The School Leader's Podcast

43. 23 Ways to Be a Better School Leader

School leadership is rewarding — and relentless. In this energizing episode, I walk listeners through 23 practical habits and mindset shifts that strengthen influence, improve decision-making, and protect leaders from burnout. Drawing on leadership research and everyday school leadership realities, I cover tactical moves (be visible, have difficult talks,mentor & coach), mindset anchors (choose a growth mindset, listen with empathy, know yourself), and wellbeing practices (go offline, practice mindfulness, take good care of you). This episode serves as a toolkit for principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and aspiring school leaders who seek intentional, steady growth. Episode highlights — The essentials (selected items from the 23) * Pause More. React Less. — Create space to think, avoid knee-jerk decisions. * Listen with Curiosity. — Ask questions, build trust, uncover solutions. * Adapt Quickly & Pivot. — Expect change; adjust sails, don’t stay on autopilot. * Be Approachable. — Visibility, warmth, and active listening reduce barriers. * Fail Fast Forward. — Experiment, learn, iterate — make it safe to try. * Be Purpose Driven & Take Care of You. — Lead from your “why” and protect your capacity. Whether you are a new principal, a veteran school leader, or an aspiring administrator, this episode provides practical, bite-sized leadership habits you can start using tomorrow. Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor. ✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/776297243795845] on Facebook for deeper discussions! ✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com [http://www.DrGHarrigan.com] for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources. ✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too! ✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you. Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/ [https://www.drgharrigan.com/] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan [http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan] Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/]   #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife #LeadershipHabits #MindfulLeadership #EdLeadership

42. 8 Traits of Successful School Leaders

In this episode, I explore the 8 essential traits that distinguish the most effective principals and educational leaders. Backed by research from the Wallace Foundation, Education Development Trust, and insights from thought leaders like Todd Whitaker and Michael Fullan, you will discover: What makes a successful school leader or principal? How do you truly become effective as a principal? While listening, take note of the eight traits of successful school leaders: * They are Visionaries * They Build a Community * They Empower and Promote Teachers' Leadership * They are Data Champions * They Are Passionate About Their Work * They Encourage Risk-Taking * They Lead by Example * They Are Lifelong Learners   Whether you are a new principal, a veteran school leader, or an aspiring administrator, this episode will equip you with the mindset and skills to transform your school into a thriving learning community. Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor. ✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/776297243795845] on Facebook for deeper discussions! ✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com [http://www.DrGHarrigan.com] for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources. ✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too! ✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you. Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/ [https://www.drgharrigan.com/] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan [http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan] Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/]

41. Strategies to End The School Year Successfully

As the academic year wraps up, K–12 school leaders and share principals face a critical opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and prepare. In this episode, I shares 8 practical strategies for school principals and administrators to successfully close out the school year and lay the groundwork for a strong start to next year. These strategies help principals and school leaders boost staff morale, celebrate student success, review performance data, and plan for summer and beyond. If you are a principal or assistant principal, this episode is your year-end game plan. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To: * Recognize and celebrate student and staff accomplishments * Assess your school’s culture, climate, and behavior systems * Conduct meaningful performance evaluations and exit interviews * Engage your teachers in collaborative end-of-year feedback * Connect with families and strengthen school-community ties * Strategically plan for summer programs and pre-planning week * Reflect on your own leadership growth and set personal goals Whether you're a principal, assistant principal, instructional leader, or an aspiring school administrator—this episode gives you the tools to wrap up the year with purpose and power. Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor. ✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/776297243795845] on Facebook for deeper discussions! ✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com [http://www.DrGHarrigan.com] for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources. ✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too! ✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you. Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/ [https://www.drgharrigan.com/] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan [http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan] Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/] Hashtags: #EndOfYearPlanning #EOYStrategies #SchoolYearWrapUp #CloseTheYearStrong #EndOfYearSuccess #YearEndReflection #CelebrateSuccess #ReflectAndLead #PlanForSuccess #FinishStrong

40. Strategies to Build Teacher Morale

In this episode, I explore the critical issue of teacher and staff morale. With teacher burnout at an all-time high, I provide actionable strategies for school leaders to cultivate a positive, supportive, and high-morale school community. You will discover how boosting teacher and staff morale directly impacts student achievement and how to implement practical steps to make a difference.   Episode Highlights: The State of Teaching: I begin with a sobering look at the current challenges facing teachers, citing statistics on burnout and attrition. This sets the stage for why this topic is so crucial. The Why: The episode emphasizes the why behind boosting teacher morale: the direct link between teacher well-being and student success.   5 Key Strategies: I have outlined five practical, evidence-based strategies that school leaders can implement right away: 1. Recognize and Appreciate: Learn how to make teachers feel valued through meaningful, timely, and consistent recognition. Get concrete ideas like weekly shout-outs, social media appreciation, and celebrating successes. 2. Cultivate a Positive School Culture: Discover how to create an environment where positivity, mutual respect, and shared values thrive. Explore the power of community-building events and foster trust. 3. Empower and Involve Your Teachers: Find out how to give teachers a sense of autonomy and ownership by involving them in decision-making and leadership roles. 4. Reduce and Balance Workload and Stress: Provide strategies for managing teacher workload, promoting work-life balance, and supporting teacher well-being. 5. Show Gratitude: Explore the power of expressing gratitude and learn how to create systems for students to show their appreciation for their teachers   Key Takeaways: The episode is packed with specific,actionable steps that school leaders can implement right away. * Celebrate teachers publicly and consistently. * Create a culture where trust eats strategy for breakfast. * Empower teachers to lead and own school initiatives. * Prioritize teacher wellness and respect personal time. * Incorporate gratitude into daily school life.   Call to Action: I do not just present problems; I provides solutions and inspires listeners to take action and become morale-boosting leaders. ✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community [https://www.facebook.com/groups/776297243795845] on Facebook for deeper discussions! ✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com [http://www.DrGHarrigan.com] for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources. ✅ Subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadershipin others, too! ✅ Share this episode with a fellow leader who could use a morale boost in their school community. Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/ [https://www.drgharrigan.com/] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan [http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan] Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan [http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/]

39. 8 Strategies for School Leaders to Create More Margin in Their Day

In this episode, we explore eight strategies for school leaders to create more margin in their day. According to a report from Education Support, 78% of teachers have reported feeling stressed or experiencing burnout. Recent research indicates that 87% of knowledge workers work two hours more each day compared to 2019. Despite this effort, over a quarter of deadlines are still missed each week. Daily, we face competing demands on our time, which leads to increased chaos and stress rather than clarity. Those of us in the modern workforce and education are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and burnout. It is essential that we work on developing margin in our daily lives. As you listen, pay close attention to the eight strategies that school leaders can use to create more margin in their day. * Prioritize your life * Conduct a time audit * Prioritize your day * Practice time blocking * Learn to Say No * Build in Buffer Time * Schedule Personal Time * Evaluate your schedule often I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast [https://www.facebook.com/groups/776297243795845] on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter [https://twitter.com/drgharrigan] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drgharrigan/] at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan] & LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/] at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website [http://www.drgharrigan.com/] at www.drgharrigan.com [http://www.drgharrigan.com], read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com [gastridharrigan@gmail.com].